Do Academy members even watch TV?

Why do we even bother? Seriously, why should we even care?

It’s obvious at this point that the TV Academy not only doesn’t watch TV, its members don’t read either.

Fine, maybe they don’t watch “Friday Night Lights,” but did they not read the rave reviews, the gushing by critics — yes, the people who do watch a lot of TV and know the best things out there — and the fans who were so enraptured by the show that they played a major part in earning “Lights” a season 2 renewal.

Let’s break down the nominations:

Drama series: “Boston Legal,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Heroes,” “House,” “The Sopranos”

Hey, I’ve got nothing personal against “Boston Legal.” I’m sure David Kelley and his crew are all hard-working folk who do their best to put out a fine show every week, but they simply don’t belong in this category that, supposedly (and I use that word loosely here) ranks the top five dramas on TV.

A once stellar “Grey’s Anatomy” took a creative nosedive last season — even hardcore fans are concerned, having sent a chain letter to TV writers asking them to alert show creator Shonda Rhimes that the train is falling off the tracks — and seems among the list here on reputation only.

“Heroes” may not be my cup of tea but it was a breakout hit and invigorated the sci-fi genre, so good for them.

“House” often plays it a bit too procedural for my taste but, to its credit, has such a charismatic star in Hugh Laurie, that everyone around is forced to raise their game, which, ultimately, makes the show highly watchable.

And as for “The Sopranos,” the series has only won once before, making a win on Emmy night completely appropriate for a show that, many could argue, completely changed television from both a business and creative standpoint. David Chase’s controversial ending — moving from onion rings to complete darkness — drew hisses and boos immediately after (along with, “Did my cable just go out?”) but, upon further inspection, most agree it was a brilliant way to bow out.

Drama actor: James Gandolfini, “The Sopranos,” Hugh Laurie, “House,” Denis Leary, “Rescue Me,” James Spader, “Boston Legal,” Kiefer Sutherland, “24”

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To know Gandolfini at all is to realize the monumental accomplishment he brings to the screen every week. A quiet and generous man off camera, he transforms himself into this monster who feels little remorse when having to kill, or ordering a hit, and yet tries to be a good husband and father — though he’s certainly neither of those. Engrave his name on the statue now.

Shockingly, Laurie was left off this list last year and his appearance here is the Academy’s return to its senses.

Leary had an interesting season on “Rescue Me.” His raped his wife in one episode and he’s unlikable in most, yet his work as an actor — Leary’s also a writer and exec producer — is valued, as it should be.

Spader may be the nicest man on the planet but today I blame him for taking Kyle Chandler’s spot in this list. At some point I’ll get over it. Probably not.

Sutherland does a great job on “24,” but even he would admit the show slipped more than a few notches last season. Producers are talking about revamping the clock-watching format for when the series returns in January.

Drama actress: Minnie Driver, “The Riches,” Edie Falco, “The Sopranos,” Sally Field, “Brothers and Sisters,” Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU,” Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

Give Driver credit. Known mostly for film roles in comedies and lighter fare, she brought her A-game opposite fellow Brit Eddie Izzard in the freshman FX series. Granted, the category isn’t as deep as the men’s, but her work is deserving among this company.

Falco is a favorite of voters, and she should be. Granted, Carm wasn’t in all that many scenes this past season but when she is, she’s as riveting and electric as Gandolfini.

Field’s longevity in TV is astonishing. She starred in “Gidget” in 1965 and continues to make an impact today on ABC’s Sunday night hit. The series isn’t my thing, but props to her for still making a difference more than 40 years later.

Hargitay is the defending champ and, despite working within the confines of a strict “Law & Order” procedural, is able to give some flesh and blood to her complex character. Sure beats chasing bad guys all day.

Using that Southern-fried charm has worked wonders for Sedgwick, who should win here unless voters make it an all-“Sopranos” night and send off Falco with another Emmy.

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